It is first shown that the potential of the market mechanism to solve pressing problems of resource allocation is not being used to its full extent, and three examples from the field of social policy are given. Secondly, it is argued that the public often ignores the advice of economists because they do not have a convincing concept of the term „social” in the Social Market Economy. Existing proposals by economists are examined and found wanting. Finally, it is proposed to equate the term „social” with the goal of equality of opportunity, and again three examples are given in which this goal is insufficiently achieved in Germany. Copyright 2008 der Autor Journal compilation 2008, Verein für Socialpolitik und Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
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